The Center of International Studies at University of St. Thomas hosted CARE’s first regional training on campus in Ahern Room, Crooker Center, 3909 Graustark St., from Friday to Sunday, Oct. 18-20.

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. It places special focus on working alongside women in economically disadvantaged communities. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters and helps people rebuild their lives.

Philippe Nassif ’07, Central Regional Advocacy Coordinator at CARE, along with Terence O’Neill, director of Mayor Annise Parker’s Office of International Communities, will lead the training.

“The objective of the workshop is to train a new group of CARE advocates to work within their community and educate constituents on the importance of international aid,” Nassif said. “We also will train them to work with members of Congress on the importance of supporting U.S. efforts to eradicate poverty from the world by empowering women and girls.

“We will speak on political topics such as CARE’s legislative agenda, grasstops vs. grassroots organizing, how to write and pitch an op-ed and organizing constituencies in your community,” Nassif said.

Nassif chose UST as the location for the training because St. Thomas has a strong program in international studies, and students and faculty understand the importance of eradicating global poverty.

Nassif served as a field organizer in Florida for the Obama for America Campaign during the 2012 presidential election cycle. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from UST and Master of Arts in international conflict resolution from St. Mary’s University.

University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas, dedicated to educating leaders of faith and character, is a private institution committed to the liberal arts and to the religious, ethical and intellectual tradition of Catholic higher education. St. Thomas is Houston’s only Catholic University and was founded by the Basilian Fathers in 1947.